This can apply to anyone who performs shows for kids – jugglers, magicians, clowns, variety entertainers, teachers, etc.
1. Thou shalt use volunteers and audience participation
2. Thou shalt use a variety of volunteers (age, gender, race, etc.)
3. Thou shalt get and remember names
4. Thou shalt respect the volunteers
5. Thou shalt make the volunteer the star
6. Thou shalt keep the volunteer safe from harm
7. Thou shalt amplify the volunteer
8. Thou shalt use a plethora of volunteers throughout the show
9. Thou shalt learn some useful one-liners in working with volunteers
10. Thou shalt embrace the unexpected and have fun with whatever happens.
I have stories that go along with many of these items on the list to help illustrate what I mean. I have learned some of these lessons the hard way. I shared this in a 45-minute workshop at the Fellowship of Christian Magicians this past week in Marion, Indiana. I hope it helps some performers out there who may read this.
1 response to “The Ten Commandments of Using Volunteers in a Kid Show”
I still laugh when I remember you using Robb as a volunteer at Leah's birthday party. : )
I was also very impressed with your ability to remember names.
[…] think,”that could be me,” and that includes everyone in your show in a special way. In another blog post, I have written ten commandments about how to use and treat volunteers in your […]